Free Week 1 Prediction: Gamecocks vs Commodores Odds

Looking for South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Vanderbilt Commodores free picks? Week 1 College football betting sees the Gamecocks taking on the Commodores Thursday, September 1st at Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions.

Vandy’s schedule will still be challenging but an opener against South Carolina should be intriguing.

The Gamecocks are in the midst of their post-Spurrier transition while the Commodores return 15 starters in the third season under Frank Mason.

South Carolina Gamecocks

Will Muschamp takes over as the South Carolina head coach and will be expected to bring improvement to the South Carolina defense that has allowed 29 points per game over the last two seasons.

Muschamp brings a great defensive mind that should help that defensive unit improve. The Gamecocks return 8 defensive starters so the experience combined with Muschamp’s knowledge should bode well for South Carolina.

The offensive side of the ball presents a different story though. The Gamecocks bring back just two starters on the offensive line. Their leading returning rusher, Lorenzo Nunez, was a backup QB last season and will probably play mostly receiver this season.

The leading receiver returning for the Gamecocks, Deebo Samuel, had just 12 catches for 161 yards last season.

The quarterback situation is yet to be determined but it will either be freshman Brandon McIlwain, freshman Jake Bentley, or senior Perry Orth who was mostly unimpressive in 2015.

This will all be coming together in time for Week 1 but against a strong defensive unit. The Gamecock offense will struggle all season long but particularly against Vandy in Week 1.

Vanderbilt Commodores

Kyle Shurmur will be the starting quarterback for the Commodores after a 2015 season that featured both he and Johnny McCrary.

Shurmur’s last season play earned him the starting spot but he will need to improve if Vandy expects to improve.

The offense will return 8 starters including standout tailback Ralph Webb. Webb rushed for 1152 yards and 5 touchdowns last season – quietly putting together a fantastic season.

If Shurmur can stretch the field this season by opening up the passing game, Webb should put up even better numbers as teams won’t be able to load the box as frequently.

Mason’s defensive unit will perform – regardless of the situation they are put in. But, if the offense can keep them off of the field a bit longer, they will be even better.

The Commodore defense was the 6th best red zone defense in the nation last season. They were the 22nd ranked scoring defense allowing just 21 points per game.

Vanderbilt was the 2nd worst red zone offense in the country last season. All of this spells the under in this game even at a total of 42.5.

NCAA Football Handicapping Trends

Under is 7-2-1 in South Carolina’s last 10 Thursday games.

Under is 11-4-1 in South Carolina’s last 16 games overall.

Under is 15-5-1 in Vanderbilt’s last 21 games overall.

Under is 6-2-1 in Vanderbilt’s last 9 Thursday games.

Under is 6-2-1 in the last 9 meetings.

Free Week 1 NCAA Football Prediction

Expect both defenses to be ready to start the season while the offenses need a few weeks to catch up. I don’t see any way how this game goes over as neither team is a threat to put up points.

4* Free NCAA Betting Pick: Game total under 42.5

Webb will be the highlight of this game but for future betting, keep an eye on Shurmur. If he is able to convert third downs and stretch the defense out, Vandy will surprise teams going forward.

Week 1 Free Score Prediction: Vanderbilt 21 – South Carolina 13

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